Ex-Liverpool Man Regrets Joining Reds Despite Calling Transfer 'Dream Come True'

El Hadji Diouf, the former Senegal international striker, has publicly expressed deep regret over his 2002 move to Liverpool FC, despite initially hailing it as a "dream come true." The 37-year-old, who dazzled at the 2002 World Cup by helping Senegal upset defending champions France, joined the Reds for a reported €15 million (£10 million).^[1]

Diouf's Anfield stint proved disastrous. In two seasons, he managed just six goals in 80 appearances, failing to live up to expectations as a high-profile signing. Off-field issues compounded his woes; Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard criticized him harshly in his autobiography, highlighting behavioral problems.^[1] Diouf was loaned to Bolton Wanderers before joining them permanently, later playing for Blackburn Rovers, Rangers, Leeds United, and Doncaster Rovers.

Speaking to French television station RMC Sport, Diouf named Liverpool as the club shirt he regrets wearing most. "I can say today that the shirt that I regret wearing the most was Liverpool’s," he stated. "Because if I were to do that part of my career again, I would have gone to FC Barcelona or Manchester United. At the time, they wanted me too."^[1] He contrasted this with his glittering international career: 70 caps for Senegal, two African Footballer of the Year awards, and inclusion in Pelé's FIFA 100 list of greatest living players.^[1]

Diouf is not fondly remembered by Liverpool fans, who view him as a notorious flop. His candid admission reignites debate over one of the club's more infamous transfers, underscoring the mismatch between hype and harsh reality at Anfield.^[1]

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